ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SEAWEED (ENTEROMORPHA INTESTINALIS) AGAINST JUICE-DERIVED PATHOGENS

Abstract

This study investigates the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of 90% methanolic extract of Enteromorpha intestinalis, a green seaweed species, against microorganisms isolated from fresh fruit juices. The isolates were characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial activity was assessed through disc diffusion and well diffusion assays against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of various bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. The methanolic extract exhibited moderate antifungal activity but lacked significant antibacterial properties. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis revealed multiple bioactive compounds, and PCR was employed to verify molecular identity. The findings support the potential of E. intestinalis as a source of natural antifungal agents in food preservation and pharmaceutical applications.